The steps you take with your hair once out of the shower are just as, if not more important than the steps you take in the shower.

We all know about choosing the right shampoo and conditioners for our hair types (we're even more choosey when we have scalp sensitivities), we know when to double cleanse, we all know how to maximise our wash, but what should you NOT be doing?

Let's take a look at your wet hair routine, how many of these are you guilty of?

1. 1. Towel drying too harshly
2. 2. Going to bed with damp hair
3. 3. Detangling your wet hair with any old brush
4. 4. Putting your wet hair into a pony or bun
5. 5. Using hot tools on damp hair
6. 6. Not using heat protectors
7. 7. Not nourishing daily with a leave-in conditioner

“It’s dry enough to straighten” “I can't find my detangler, this bristle brush will do”

Is this you? Time plays an important part in our decisions when it comes to hair styling. Whilst on the odd occasion you may think it won't hurt, frequent wet hair crimes will mean your sin count can escalate quickly.

Not taking proper care of your hair during drying/styling makes it harder for your hair to hold onto the moisture it needs. Dry hair is brittle, it splits and snaps easily. A cuticle that's too tight will not allow enough moisture through, and over time this dehydration can lead to hair thinning or even hair loss. Such issues will also increase with factors such as age, if you colour your hair regularly and or have sensitive scalp conditions like eczema. 

What is hair porosity? Hair porosity is the ability hair has to absorb and retain moisture. This porosity affects how well natural oils and moisture pass through the outermost layer of your hair, the layer we all know as the cuticle. 

So, what should we be doing instead?

1. 1. Gently scrunch wet hair with a microfibre towel or use a hair turban
2. 2. Only using wet combs, they tend to be wide toothed
3. 3. Leave hair down or loosely tie with a silk scrunchy
4. 4. Making sure you use heat protector before heat drying your hair
5. 5. Also make sure your hair is completely dry before using any hot tools
6. 6. Use a sensitive leave-in conditioner for nourishment.

We're a huge advocate of hair hydration

Dehydration immediately halts hair growth. You might not know that water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair; therefore drinking the recommended two litres of water a day helps to nourish and strength your hair - therefore increasing hair growth.

TIP: Spritzing your hair every day can help your hair get the moisture it requires on a daily basis. Try light rinsing or refresh your hair with a leave-in conditioner to help nourish dry, dull and brittle ends.